Search Results (325)

To explore the characteristics of species diversity and phylogenetic diversity, as well as the dominant processes of community construction, in different forest types (deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, and Chinese fir plantation) in subtropical regions, analyze the specific driving patterns of soil nutrients and other environmental factors on the formation of forest diversity in different forest types, and clarify the differences in response to environmental heterogeneity between natural forests and plantation forests. Based on 48 fixed monitoring plots of 50 m × 50 m in Shouchang Forest Farm, Jiande City, Zhejiang Province, woody plants with a diameter at breast height ≥5 cm were investigated. Species diversity indices (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index), phylogenetic structure index (PD), and environmental factors were used to analyze the relationship between diversity characteristics and environmental factors through variance analysis, correlation analysis, and generalized linear models. Phylogenetic structural indices (NRI and NTI) were used, combined with a random zero model, to explore the mechanisms of community construction in different forest types. Research has found that (1) the deciduous broad-leaved forest had the highest species diversity (Margalef index of 4.121 ± 1.425) and phylogenetic diversity (PD index of 21.265 ± 7.796), significantly higher than the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest and the Chinese fir plantation (p < 0.05); (2) there is a significant positive correlation between species richness and phylogenetic diversity, with the best fit being AIC = 70.5636 and R² = 0.9419 in broad-leaved forests; however, the contribution of evenness is limited; (3) the specific effects of soil factors on different forest types: available phosphorus (AP) is negatively correlated with the diversity of deciduous broad-leaved forests (p < 0.05), total phosphorus (TP) promotes the diversity of coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forests, while the diversity of Chinese fir plantations is significantly negatively correlated with total nitrogen (TN); (4) the phylogenetic structure of three different forest types shows a divergent pattern in deciduous broad-leaved forests, indicating that competition and exclusion dominate the construction of deciduous broad-leaved forests; the aggregation mode of Chinese fir plantation indicates that environmental filtering dominates the construction of Chinese fir plantation; the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is a transitional model, indicating that the mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest is influenced by both stochastic processes and ecological niche processes. In different forest types in subtropical regions, the species and phylogenetic diversity of broad-leaved forests is significantly higher than in other forest types. The impact of soil nutrients on the diversity of different forest types varies, and the characteristics of community construction in different forest types are also different. This indicates the importance of protecting the original vegetation and provides a scientific basis for improving the ecological function of artificial forest ecosystems through structural adjustment. The research results have important practical guidance value for sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation in the region. Full article

Rangelands form the ecological and economic backbone of Namibia, yet the woody plant dynamics that sustain these landscapes remain sporadically quantified across the semi-arid interior. We investigated the characteristics (stand structure, regeneration, richness, diversity, composition, ecological importance, and indicator species) of woody communities along a pronounced south-to-north rainfall gradient (85–346 mm yr⁻¹) at five representative sites: Warmbad, Gibeon, Otjimbingwe, Ovitoto, and Sesfontein. Field sampling combined point-centered quarter surveys (10 points site⁻¹) and belt transects (15 plots site⁻¹). The basal area increased almost ten-fold along the gradient (0.4–3.4 m² ha⁻¹). Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) arranged plots in near-perfect rainfall order, and Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed significant site differences (F_3,56 = 9.1, p < 0.001). Nanophanerophytes dominated hyper-arid zones, while microphanerophytes appeared progressively with increasing rainfall. Mean annual precipitation explained 45% of the variance in mean height and 34% of Shannon diversity but only 5% of stem density. Indicator value analysis highlighted Montinia caryophyllacea for Warmbad (IndVal = 100), Rhigozum trichotomum (75.8) for Gibeon, Senegalia senegal (72.6) for Otjimbingwe, and Senegalia mellifera (97.3) for Ovitoto. Rainfall significantly influences woody structure and diversity; however, other factors also modulate density and regeneration dynamics. This quantitative baseline can serve as a practical toolkit for designing site-specific management strategies across Namibia’s aridity gradient. Full article

Forests in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. have been profoundly affected by human use over the last 150 years, with few old growth forests remaining. Such mature forests may harbor distinct communities and high biodiversity, particularly detritivores and their associated food webs. These communities, however, have been surveyed only rarely in comparisons of diversity and community composition between old and young forests. Here, we compare the mycophilous beetle communities of young and old deciduous forest stands in Southwestern Ohio (U.S.A.). We assess how the abundance and diversity of beetles associated with fungal sporocarps varies with forest age, downed woody debris, and invasive honeysuckle density. We surveyed fungus-associated beetles with baited traps at eight wooded parklands centered around Dayton, Ohio, conducting sampling three times over a growing season. In contrast to expectation, we found no clear effect of forest age on mycophilous beetle communities, but infestation by invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) negatively affected beetle abundance and diversity. Beetle abundance, richness, and community composition also strongly varied across seasonal sampling periods. Our surveys of mycophilous beetles in a Midwestern U.S. forest represent an initial step toward understanding how these communities are shaped by forest age and invasive species. Such information is crucial in managing forests to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. Full article

The present study analyzed the vegetation diversity in three forests located in southern Romania and assessed their degree of similarity. Data were collected using frame quadrat sampling and species taxonomic identification. The methodology included the calculation of ecological indices (Shannon–Wiener, equitability, maximum entropy, Menhinick, Margalef, McIntosh, Gleason, and Simpson) and statistical analysis using ANOVA and Duncan tests (p < 0.05). Similarity between forests was evaluated using the Jaccard and Dice/Sørensen coefficients. The results showed that biodiversity increases with area size, and the forest ecosystem in Vlădila exhibited the highest number of woody and herbaceous species. Although the forest ecosystem in Studinița had the greatest floristic diversity, according to the Shannon–Wiener index, it also showed higher equitability (0.911 compared to 0.673 in Vlădila) due to a more uniform species distribution. The forest ecosystem in Studinița acted as an intermediate zone between those in Grădinile and Vlădila. Variations in diversity among the three areas reflect ecological differences influenced by location-specific factors such as soil type, climatic conditions, and human interventions. This suggests that ecological conditions and the physical characteristics of forests significantly impact the number and types of species that can coexist within an ecosystem. Full article

Saprobic hyphomycetous fungi exhibit high colonization density and diversity on rotting woody plant material. During our continuing mycological research in the forest ecosystem of Jiangxi, Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, China, several Distoseptispora-like and Helminthosporium-like strains were isolated from unidentified dead branches in terrestrial habitats. Based on morphological comparisons and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses using maximum-likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI), six novel species of Distoseptispora (D. terrestris, D. wuyishanensis, D. zhejiangensis) and Helminthosporium (H. ganzhouense, H. jiangxiense, H. saprophyticum) were introduced, and one known species, H. velutinum was reported. The species diversity within Distoseptispora and Helminthosporium was supplemented in this study. Full article

The aromatic C₁₃ apocarotenoid β-ionone is a high-value natural-flavor and -fragrance compound derived from the oxidative cleavage of carotenoids. Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) play a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of volatile apocarotenoids, particularly β-ionone. In this study, we report the identification, cloning, and functional characterization of two CCD1 homologs: OeCCD1 from Olea europaea and InCCD1 from Ipomoea nil. These two species, which, respectively, represent a woody perennial and a herbaceous annual, were selected to explore the potential functional divergence of CCD1 enzymes across different plant growth forms. These CCD1 genes were synthesized using codon optimization for Escherichia coli expression, followed by heterologous expression and purification using a GST-fusion system. In vitro assays confirmed that both enzymes cleave β-carotene at the 9,10 (9′,10′) double bond to yield β-ionone, but only OeCCD1 exhibits detectable activity on zeaxanthin; InCCD1 shows no in vitro cleavage of zeaxanthin. Kinetic characterization using β-apo-8′-carotenal as substrate revealed, for OeCCD1, a K_m of 0.82 mM, V_max of 2.30 U/mg (k_cat = 3.35 s⁻¹), and k_cat/K_m of 4.09 mM⁻¹·s⁻¹, whereas InCCD1 displayed K_m = 0.69 mM, V_max = 1.22 U/mg (k_cat = 1.82 s⁻¹), and k_cat/K_m = 2.64 mM⁻¹·s⁻¹. The optimization of expression parameters, as well as the systematic evaluation of temperature, pH, solvent, and metal ion effects, provided further insights into the stability and functional diversity within the plant CCD1 family. Overall, these findings offer promising enzymatic tools for the sustainable production of β-ionone and related apocarotenoids in engineered microbial cell factories. Full article

Garvin Heights Park in southeastern Minnesota, USA, is a 12 ha mosaic of bluff prairie, oak savanna, and oak–hickory woodland co-owned by the City of Winona and Winona State University, with a 40+ year history of encroachment by non-native woody invasives, especially buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.). Habitat restoration was initiated in the early 1990s, but management gaps and a seedbank of invasives compromised initial efforts. More consistent and sustainable restoration activities since 2016 have included cutting and chemical treatment of invasives, managed goat browsing, targeted reseeding and plug planting with native species, and more regular prescribed fires. Throughout the restoration process, we assessed changes in buckthorn densities in response to various management practices, assessed the restored savanna tree community, and documented the presence of blooming plants across all park habitats. Manual clearing of woody invasives and repeated goat browsing significantly reduced buckthorn and honeysuckle abundance in prairies and savannas. Park plant communities responded to the combination of management strategies with reduced densities of woody invasives and expanding diversity (currently >220 species present) of forbs and grasses, including a large and growing population of state-threatened Great Indian Plantain (Arnoglossum reniforme). Prescribed fires have benefitted prairies but have done little to improve savanna plant communities, due largely to excessive tree canopy coverage causing a lack of burnable fuels (i.e., dry forbs and grasses). Improved partnerships between landowners and dedicated volunteers are working to expand restoration efforts to include other portions of the park and adjacent woodlands. Full article

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a predominant greenhouse gas significantly contributing to atmospheric heat retention, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities intensifying the greenhouse effect. This study aims to evaluate the diversity of plant species, above-ground biomass (AGB), and carbon stock within a dry dipterocarp forest, which is a vital local natural resource. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of plant species diversity, AGB, and carbon stock capacity within a dry dipterocarp forest at the Nature Study Center, Mahasarakham University, located in the Kham Riang Subdistrict of Kantharawichai District, Maha Sarakham Province, spanning an area of 20.80 hectares. Ten sample plots, each measuring 40 × 40 m, were established and distributed across the study area. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height of the trees were meticulously recorded for all trees within these plots. Advanced statistical techniques were employed to calculate the relative dominance (RD), relative frequency (RF), and Importance Value Index (IVI), alongside a comprehensive assessment of plant species diversity. The AGB was assessed using precise allometric equations, with a focus on analyzing carbon storage within woody biomass. The findings revealed the presence of 52 tree species across 26 families within the forest. The total AGB was measured at 144.510 tons, with carbon stock reaching 67.920 tCO₂. These results offer critical insights into enhancing land management strategies to optimize carbon stock, thereby playing a vital role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, a significant factor in climate change dynamics. Full article

Soil erosion and surface runoff on forest road slopes are major environmental concerns, especially in harvested areas, making effective mitigation strategies essential for sustainable forest management. The study compared the effectiveness of three selected woody species on forest road slopes as a possible mitigating action for runoff and soil erosion in harvested sites. Plots measuring 2 m × 3 m were set up with three species—alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.), medlar (Mespilus germanica L.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.)—on the slopes of forest roads. Within each plot, root abundance, root density, canopy percentage, canopy height, herbaceous cover percentage, and selected soil characteristics were measured and analyzed. Root frequency and Root Area Ratio (the ratio between the area occupied by roots in a unit area of soil) measurements were conducted by excavating 50 × 50 cm soil profiles at a 10-cm distance from the base of each plant in the four cardinal directions. The highest root abundance and RAR values were found in hawthorn, followed by alder and medlar in both cases. The same order of magnitude was evidenced in runoff (255.42 mL m⁻² in hawthorn followed by 176.81 mL m⁻² in alder and 67.36 mL m⁻² in medlar) and the reverse order in terms of soil erosion (8.23 g m⁻² in hawthorn compared to 22.5 g m⁻² in alder and 50.24 g m⁻² in medlar). The results of the study confirm that using plant species with dense and deep roots, especially hawthorn, significantly reduces runoff and erosion, offering a nature-based solution for sustainable forest road management. These results highlight the need for further research under diverse ecological and soil conditions to optimize species selection and improve erosion mitigation strategies. Full article

Pedicularis hallaisanensis is a strictly biennial, hemiparasitic herb endemic to Republic of Korea and listed as an endangered species. Its populations are limited to high-altitude habitats, with recent surveys confirming survival only in Gayasan. This study aimed to assess the population size and ecological traits of P. hallaisanensis to inform conservation strategies. We established 23 quadrats at 1400–1410 m above sea level and collected microhabitat data (air temperature, soil moisture, electroconductivity, vegetation cover, and species richness) from 2022 to 2024. Flora composition and pollinator species were surveyed, with bumblebees (Bombus ignitus, B. hypocrita sapporoensis) identified as the most frequent pollinators. General linear mixed models and Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between species richness and population size and between vegetation cover and stem height. The study area’s average temperature was 6.3 °C below Republic of Korea’s national average, suggesting that climate change could disrupt the microclimatic conditions necessary for this species’ survival. The findings highlight the importance of maintaining plant diversity and controlling invasive woody species to sustain P. hallaisanensis populations. Targeted conservation measures, including habitat management and ex situ propagation, are recommended to safeguard this vulnerable species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The oil grape (Idesia polycarpa), often called the “golden tree”, is an essential woody plant valued for its edible oil. Although its economic significance is recognized, the specifics of its chloroplast genome and evolutionary connections remain unclear. This study sequenced the chloroplast genome of I. polycarpa and performed a comparative analysis of its genome structure, genetic diversity, and phylogenetics using chloroplast data from related species. Methods: In this study, we sequenced and annotated the whole chloroplast genome of I. polycarpa via GISEQ-500 sequencing and de novo assembly. Results: The chloroplast genome of I. polycarpa exhibits a typical tetrad structure, with a length of 155,899 bp and a GC content of 36.78%. It comprises 130 unique genes, including 85 coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and eight rRNAs, showing notable conservation in gene composition and arrangement compared to closely related species. However, the inverted repeat region boundaries are narrower. Phylogenetic analysis showed strong relationships among I. polycarpa, Bennettiodendron brevipes, Poliothyrsis sinensis, Itoa orientalis, and Carrierea calycina within the Salicaceae family. Additionally, positive selection analysis revealed that rpl16, ycf1, rps18, and rpl22 are under significant selective pressure in related species, likely linked to adaptations for photosynthesis and environmental responses. Conclusions: This research provides vital molecular foundations for the conservation, classification, and enhancement of I. polycarpa germplasm resources, advancing the study of adaptive evolutionary mechanisms and broadening the genomic database for I. polycarpa. Full article

Pinus tabuliformis is a well-recognized woody mycorrhizae host plant growing in North China. EM fungi contribute to the host health and the stability of the forest ecosystem. However, ectomycorrhiae (EM) fungal community associated with this species is less documented. In this study, we examined EM fungal diversity and composition of P. tabuliformis from three sites in Inner Mongolia, China by using Illumina MiSeq sequencing on the rDNA ITS2 region. Our results showed that a total of 105 EM fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified from 15 composite root samples, and the dominant lineages were /suillus-rhizopogon, /tomentella-thelephora, /tricholoma, /amphinema-tylospora, /wilcoxina, /inocybe, and /Sebacina. A high proportion of unique EM fungal OTUs (33, 31.4% of total OTUs) were detected, and some abundant OTUs preferred to exist in specific sites. The composition of EM fungal communities was significantly different among the sites, with soil, climatic, and spatial variables being related to the community variations. The EM fungal community assembly was mainly driven by environmental factors in deterministic processes. These findings suggest that this endemic Pinaceae species in China also harbored a rich and distinctive EM fungal community and deterministic processes played more important roles than stochastic in shaping the symbiotic fungal community. Our study improves our understanding of EM fungal diversity and community structure from the perspective of a single host plant that has not been investigated exclusively before. Full article

Heterotrimeric G-proteins are key signal transduction mediators involved in regulating plant growth and development, and responses to various stress in plants. G-proteins are extensively investigated in model plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. However, the identification and function of G-proteins in woody species, particularly Populus, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a genome-wide identification and comprehensive analysis of the G-protein gene family in poplar, aiming to reveal their evolutionary history, structural diversity and potential function roles. As a result, a total of 27 G-protein genes were identified in the poplar genome, including 18 Gα, 4 Gβ and 5 Gγ subunits. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 27 G-protein genes were divided into three subgroups. Gene structure, conserved domain and motifs indicated the conserved nature of G-protein at sequence and structure. In addition, synteny analysis revealed that whole-genome duplication events contributing to the expansion of the G-protein gene family in poplar. Cis-regulatory element analysis indicated that many G-protein genes in poplar contain hormone and stress related motifs, suggesting that G-protein genes are involved in environmental adaptation. Expression profiling analysis demonstrated that G-protein genes exhibited tissue-specific expression and stress-responsive expression patterns, highlighting their potential regulatory roles in growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. This study provides valuable insights into the poplar G-protein gene family and lays the foundation for further functional analyses, contributing to improving stress tolerance in forestry species. Full article

The priority habitat 91E0*, consisting of alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Fraxinus excelsior L., represents a vital ecosystem along Europe’s riverbanks and floodplains. In Greece, the alluvial forests of the Nestos Delta are particularly notable for their unique composition and ecological importance. The present study aimed to assess woody species’ regeneration status and diversity in the priority habitat 91E0* in Nestos, Greece. In the studied area, 13 plant species belonging to 12 genera from 10 families were recorded. The most numerous families were Salicaceae (23.07%) and Moraceae (15.38%). The regeneration index (IR) for Amorpha fruticosa L. and Acer negundo L. exhibited a substantial decline, decreasing from 31.75 and 21.12 cm m⁻² to 2.07 and 2.6 cm m⁻², respectively. This intervention created space for expanding native tree species such as Cornus sanguinea L., Morus alba L., and Populus alba L. The results demonstrate that the regeneration of P. alba L. is currently the most extensive (31.1%) in the alluvial forest, with C. sanguinea L., M. alba L., and A. glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. also showing significant regeneration. In contrast, the regeneration of F. angustifolia Vahl remains very limited (0.21 cm m⁻²), indicating the necessity for targeted restoration efforts. Full article

The fungal family Botryosphaeriaceae, which includes genera such as Diplodia, Dothiorella, and Phaeobotryon, comprises species commonly associated with woody plants such as endophytes, pathogens, and saprophytes. The Xizang Autonomous Region of China, known for its rich forest resources, harbors significant fungal diversity. However, limited research has been conducted on plant-disease-associated fungi in this region. In this study, we employed morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA (ITS), the ribosomal large subunit (LSU), the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) gene, and the partial beta-tubulin (tub2) gene to identify fungal species. As a result, two new species, Diplodia salicicola sp. nov. and Phaeobotryon xizangense sp. nov., are proposed and described herein. Additionally, Di. corticola, Di. mutila, Do. acericola, Do. magnoliae, Do. vidmadera, Do. yunnana comb. nov., and Do. zanthoxyli are reported for the first time in Xizang. Our findings contribute to advancing the knowledge of fungal biodiversity in Xizang’s high-altitude ecosystems. Full article